Indonesian navy drills amphibious landing in Palu

Palu, C Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Indonesia's navy strengthened combat readiness through an amphibious landing exercise in Palu, Central Sulawesi, as part of its 2026 Trisila II Operation aimed at addressing potential maritime security threats in strategic waters.

Deputy Commander of the Trisila II Task Force Colonel Agung Nugroho Kusumaji said that the exercise formed part of operations focused on the Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lane (ALKI) II.

"The second phase is being conducted in ALKI II, particularly in the Makassar Strait, which holds strategic importance for shipping and national maritime security," Agung said on Monday.

He said the operation aims to uphold Indonesia's sovereignty, enforce maritime law, and maintain security across the country's territorial waters.

According to Agung, Palu is a key location for the exercise because it lies near the Makassar Strait, a strategic maritime corridor linking northern and southern Indonesia.

The drill involved several naval assets, including the landing ship tank KRI Teluk Kupang-519, a Panther HS-1310 helicopter, and a platoon of Marines.

The exercise also received support from Palu Naval Base as part of coordination within the Navy's Integrated Fleet Weapon System.

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Alongside operational duties, the navy conducted community outreach activities with support from the Palu Naval Base to strengthen engagement with local residents.

"We want to demonstrate that the navy is present within the community and that its benefits can be felt directly by the public," Agung said.

Palu Naval Base Commander Colonel M. Ali Wardhana said support for the exercise reflected the navy's commitment to maintaining operational readiness against potential maritime threats.

The base helped ensure the exercise ran smoothly by securing training areas, coordinating field operations, and providing logistical and facility support for participating units.

Wardhana said the exercise also served to sharpen troops' technical and tactical capabilities while improving interoperability among naval units.

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"We expect this exercise to enhance operational readiness and unit capabilities in addressing future challenges," he said, adding that the base would provide maximum support for safe operations.

He said the drill was also expected to strengthen ties between the navy and coastal communities while promoting maritime awareness and patriotism.

Wardhana said the 2026 Trisila II Operation forms part of broader efforts by the Indonesian Navy to enhance combat readiness and safeguard the country's maritime sovereignty.